The findings of a recent study in England show that young people playing a musical instrument enjoy greater progress and better academic outcomes than those who do not, with the greatest impact for those playing the longest.

A review of 18 peer-reviewed studies about arts participation, published between 2000 and 2015, adds to the growing evidence about how arts participation helps young children – in particular those with autism – to develop strong social and emotional skills. The report was published by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in Washington DC, USA in December 2015.

The results of a research project by Northwestern University, published in July 2015, suggest that music training, begun as late as high school, may help improve the teenage brain’s responses to sound and sharpen hearing and language skills.

Another powerful presentation from academic Anita Collins, asking what the impact might be if a generation’s cognitive abilities are raised – and she gives evidence that it’s possible – through music education. To view the video, click anywhere on this excerpt …

A study by Northwestern University researchers looked at the impact of music education on at-risk children’s nervous systems and found that music lessons could help them develop language and reading skills.

The researchers spent two summers with children from poor neighbourhoods in Los Angeles who were receiving music lessons through the Harmony Project, a non-profit organisation providing free music education to low income students. Click anywhere to read more …

A study by Dr Kenneth Elpus from the University of Maryland has looked at the effects of school-based music education on later adult engagement with the arts, using data on 9,482 adults. He concludes that those who studied music and arts at school were more likely to continue to create art and to attend arts events.

New research from the University of Sussex reveals that the controversial English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is having a negative impact music in schools, and researchers suggest that music could be facing extinction.

CNN interviewed rock star Eddie Van Halen recently, about his work with Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, a group that helps get instruments to economically-disadvantaged young people. In 2012, Eddie Van Halen donated 75 guitars from his personal collection to students in low-income schools.

In February 2017, Kathryn Brunner, a music educator for 17 years in the USA, posted an article on the Truro Preschool and Kindergarten website extolling the value of early music education for children.